Human breast milk ice cream seized in London?

I should have paid attention to being blocked here in Dubai from the BBC website (I suppose it might be my search term, “breast”). Now, after reading the article (there are ways around the block) my faith in some of my fellow humans is being sorely tested.

Apparently, ice cream made from human breast milk has been removed from a central London restaurant on health grounds. The dessert, called “Baby Gaga,” went on sale at ice cream parlor “Icecreamists” in Covent Garden in February. But, Westminster Council officers removed the product to make sure it was “fit for human consumption.” “Icecreamist” founder Matt O’Connor said the donor was medically screened and the milk mixture was pasteurized.

The ice cream was churned with donations from London mother Victoria Hiley, and served with a rusk and an optional shot of Calpol or Bonjela. Each serving costs £14.

Tory Westminster Councillor Brian Connell said: “Selling foodstuffs made from another person’s bodily fluids can lead to viruses being passed on and, in this case, potentially hepatitis. “As the local authority we will support small businesses and applaud innovative ideas wherever possible, but must protect the health of consumers.”

Mr. O’Connor, said: “We have had an amazing response – many women have come forward and offer to give us milk.

“You can buy alcohol and tobacco but not breast milk in Westminster. “If Westminster bans this then I am going to begin a protest with mums who have already shown support.”

Bizarre! And I thought Ben & Jerry’s had a lot of different flavors. I sent your blog to two of our editors in London, and this is the response one of them sent back:
“Oh, gawd. That bloody story is all over every newswire and my news searches have picked it up a few hundred times.”
Hope you’re having a good experience in Dubai.

Minkpuppy

Is it really necessary to try and sell human breast milk products in the marketplace? I don’t really see the need or demand for it. Too many public health concern nightmares that pastuerization might not be able to fix. and it’s just not appetizing to me. Maybe if I was an infant…

If moms want to give their kids breast milk ice cream, make it at home! That way you can truly “know” the source of the milk, so to speak. ;-)

Mary McGonigle-Martin

I can’t quite put my finger on where I’ve heard this rhetoric before. It does sound so familar. :-)